Dismantling constant-velocity joint, inspecting for wear, assembly - AR35.30-P-0661-03P

Dismantle constant velocity joint

Mark the position of the joint ring (37c), joint hub (37d) and ball retainer (37f) in relation to one another.

Fig 1: Marking Position Of Joint Ring, Joint Hub And Ball Retainer
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.
Tilt rear axle shaft (37a) so that the narrow step (arrow) on the joint hub (37d) is on the top.

Fig 2: Tilting Rear Axle Shaft
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.
Use a suitable tool to press the two top balls out of their race.

Fig 3: Pressing Top Balls Out Of Their Race
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.
Tilt rear axle shaft (37a) and turn slightly to remove from the joint ring (37c).
Hold the remaining balls in place when removing.
Remove remaining balls from joint ring (37c).
Remove ball cage from joint hub.
Clean all parts.

Fig 4: Removing Rear Axle Shaft From Joint Ring
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Check constant velocity joint
Check joint ring, joint hub, ball retainer ball raceways and ball bearings for depressions (pitting) and traces of wear (arrows).
If these components display major wear then the entire rear axle shaft should be replaced. Smooth areas and running marks caused by the balls do not indicate any need to replace the rear axle shaft.

If the outer constant velocity joint is defective, then the rear axle shaft must be replaced.

Fig 5: Checking Joint Ring, Joint Hub, Ball Retainer Ball Raceways And Ball Bearings
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Assembling CV joint
Insert rear axle shaft (37a) with joint hub (37d) and ball cage (37f) in joint ring (37c) and hold at angle to allow insertion of the balls.
Before inserting the joint hub (37d), fill half the grease quantity in the repair kit into the joint ring (37c).
Position ball retainer (37f) onto joint hub (37d).
Watch the alignment marks made earlier. If a marking was not made the ball retainer (37f) has to be positioned on the joint hub(37d) such that a wide bar of the joint hub (37d) is always opposite a narrow bar of the joint ring (37c).
Insert balls one after the other.

Fig 6: Inserting Rear Axle Shaft With Joint Hub And Ball Cage In Joint Ring
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.